[Editorial] New Order To Be Created by the Narrative of Light
The Quarterly Changbi 207, Spring 2025
New Order To Be Created by the Narrative of Light
The power of words is immense. Biased words can stir emotions and distort reality. In his 2023 National Liberation Day speech, now-impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol expressed anger, claiming that anti-national forces that threaten our “liberal democracy” were operating within society, and declared his will to eradicate the forces of anti-freedom and anti-unification. Pursuing his “freedom” of domination and monopoly, he plotted and executed martial law and a rebellion on December 3, 2024. But when it didn't go his way, he subsequently incited widespread riots. And he now faces the fate of being ousted from his role in history by a sovereign people. As an individual who distorted and polluted the word “freedom,” Yoon Suk-yeol will face the judgment and consequences corresponding to his actions. In a world where such blind instincts succumb to the power of might, there is no room for freedom, only subjugation and the struggle to survive.
Democracy is a system of self-governance and order whereby the citizens rule themselves. Collective governance by the citizens is rooted in a voluntary disciplining of personal emotions and will, as well as a spirit of solidarity that considers others and shares responsibility. Citizens practice democracy in the process of designing a communal life, protecting shared values, coordinating opinions, and seeking common goals. In contrast, those who wield force under the pretext of freedom, without regulating their emotions, will destroy the lives of their neighbors—thereby undermining the foundation for their own existence. They rely on aggressive power because they fear democracy. Those who do not believe in democracy accuse the majority of tyranny, if the majority does not align with their will. When they hold power, they label their opponents as enemies and reject and punish them.
Even Europe, often cited for its advanced democracies, is now confronting a severe political crisis of democracy. The spread of far-right parties there and the violence of right-wing mobs have now reached dangerous levels. Powerful countries and hegemonic nations that have wielded absolute power have always waged “holy” wars, claiming to do so in the name of human rights and justice. Today, however, as evident in the war against Ukraine, they are no longer even bound by such justifications. Because grand causes are not important to them, they distort and pollute words without hesitation. US President Donald Trump, while unilaterally proclaiming the end of the Ukraine war, also openly pursues pro-Israel policies following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, and announces plans to occupy Gaza, thereby threatening any peace efforts. In short, we are witnessing a precarious situation today, in which relentless profit-seeking actions perpetuate and globalize war.
Amidst this regression in the landscape of international politics, the efforts of Korean citizens in maintaining self-discipline and democratic solidarity continue to shine. The political legitimacy of sovereign citizens derives its vitality from the balance between democracy and the rule of law. Democracy, being a principle of self-governance and collective discipline, necessitates popular efforts to uphold the rules and the order they have established. Also, sovereign politics, where citizens put forward public agendas and create forums for discussion to drive politics and the state, differs from the logic of power pursued by larger nations. The Korean people in the early 20th century aspired not only for the independence of Korea, but also for peace in Asia and the world. They hoped that Korea's independence and democracy would become a cornerstone for world peace and international cooperation. The essence of civilization lies in the art of coexistence, in which different entities can debate and compete without resorting to violence. Democracy that prevents violence, ends wars, and leads to peace was the aspiration of the people living on the Korean peninsula a hundred years ago and will represent the kind of advanced democracy that Koreans will soon present to the world as a model.
When it comes to the transmission of “light,” It is worth remembering that a thousand years ago, the monk Daoyuan 道原, from the Song Dynasty in China, compiled the 30-volume Chuandeng Lu (Record of the Transmission of the Lamp) and presented it to Emperor Zhenzong 眞宗 (Jingde Chuandeng Lu 景德傳燈錄, 1004). This book was first published during the Goryeo dynasty in 1372 (the 21st year of King Gongminwang's reign) and was widely read during the Joseon dynasty as well. The term “transmission of the lamp” refers to the passing of the essence of Buddhist truth, illuminated by the insight of Shakyamuni Buddha, from master to disciple. The Record of the Transmission of the Lamp includes 1,700 names of Buddhist masters and disciples who received the lamp of truth from the Buddha. Among them are dozens of scholar-monks from Silla and Goryeo. Disciples who received robes and alms bowls as tokens from their masters boasted the orthodoxy of the Dharma and continued the lineage of the Zen sect. Imitating Buddhism's “transmission of the lamp,” Confucianism also created the lineage of orthodox Confucian scholars, known as the “transmission of the Way (道統).” In the Daeseongjeon Hall of the Sungkyunkwan Institute, the tablets of 18 Korean intellectuals who inherited the Confucian tradition are enshrined. It was not until the Donghak movement in the 19th century that the majority of the Korean people, rather than a few individuals like before, became the protagonists of the transmission of the Way. Choi Si-hyeong Haewol, who spoke of a world where women would also attain the Way, opened a miraculous vision that embraced not only women but also children and even objects. And he passed the lamp of truth to countless people.
Now, this narrative of a sacred transmission of truth, which has spanned a thousand years, continues with the narrative of the light of candlelight citizens and light-stick sovereigns. Beyond the secret transmission of the lamp between master and disciple, countless waves of light have emerged, creating miraculous scenes in which carriers of light help and protect each other in times of darkness and crisis. A new era opened by light is dawning, in which I and my neighbors attain the Way together. We need a “path” that saves the countless living beings of our ancestors, ourselves, and future generations--a deeper and broader spiritual vein that connects and expands our lives. I feel pride and confidence in the wisdom and ingenuity of our citizens, who have turned resistance and protest into a festival—a place of shared joy and solidarity. Let us support each other tirelessly, meet with a light step, and move forward tirelessly. Imagine the new authority of words as created by citizen sovereigns, the power of words that protect life, as we pass through the swamp of old, polluted language. Let us show in the orderly world we will create that democratic citizens are the masters of their own lives and also the masters of politics.
This issue's special feature introduces the “Swift Progress of K-Democracy,” which is poised to become a new model in world political history. Leaving behind the darkness of treasonous violence, we are experiencing the vigorous renewal of the Candlelight Revolution. Paik Nak-chung vividly recounts how the Candlelight Revolution has evolved further, despite experiencing “irregular situations.” At the same time, he points out the absence of new philosophies to match the remarkable progress of the Candlelight movement that spans generations and classes. He then responds to the aspirations of Candlelight citizens with the idea of the “transformative middle way,” aiming at systemic change on the Korean Peninsula and the expansion of forces seeking a middle path. We can reaffirm that Korean history, through the Donghak Revolution, the March 1st Movement, Independence, and Democratization, has been the process of achieving democracy and peace through the spirit of the “middle way and gaebyeok (great opening or transformation).”
Following this, Kim Sora's article introduces the democracy of solidarity and consideration that emerged during the Candlelight rallies. She highlights the activities of women in their 20s and 30s who have generated new hope in the public square. This expansion of historical perspective from the past, the connection of online and offline discourse and practice, and the reorganization of daily life and politics inspire dreams of a world where we live in harmony with others.
Han Hong-gu dynamically depicts the reasons why the Korean conservative forces, focused solely on maintaining their vested interests, could not have connected with democracy over the past century. He explains the historical “DNA” of the conservative forces as having the trait of “collaborator” pro-Japanese forces that they had during the colonial era. He criticizes their behavior of gaining benefits by surrendering to the strong rather than by taking responsibility as masters. As they have survived by worshiping military power and strength, being anti-populist and elitist, and eradicating their opponents, the conservative forces have not learned how to dialogue or compromise, ultimately degenerating into far-right fascism.
Lee Nam Ju's article, the fifth installment in the series “Searching for K-Discourse,” discusses Kim Dae-jung’s thoughts from the perspective of “transformational middle way.” He introduces Kim Dae-jung's pioneering insights that linked the market economy and inter-Korean relations with the advancement of democracy. From his remarks evaluating the Candlelight protests as an example of direct democracy in which peace was maintained, he envisions a scene where the potential of Korean citizens shines as hope for “global democracy” in a world facing a crisis of democracy.
In the Dialogue section, Kim Joon Hyung, Kim Chang-su, and Choi Pae Kun engage in an in-depth debate over how South Korea should respond to the second Trump administration and the changing world order. President Trump is heightening tension and anxiety in the world by abandoning causes and values and strictly pursuing an “America First” strategy focused solely on U.S. national interests. Worsening U.S.-China competition poses a significant challenge to Koreans, as we must maintain a balance between the two. The participants propose that we strengthen our democratic capabilities, enhance the country's strategic autonomy based on this foundation, and actively participate in the formation of multilateral blocs.
The “Article” section features a piece by Lee Dong-jin diagnosing the Korean economy and presenting its tasks. Pointing to the economic downturn due to severe domestic demand contraction since 2023, he expresses concern that economic uncertainty has worsened further due to political instability, following the December 3 martial law declaration. The negative impact on the real economy continues, with household, self-employed, and small business debt, as well as shocks to the financial and foreign-exchange markets, as does the risk of a national credit rating downgrade. He emphasizes that the government must actively address the long-term recession in domestic demand and the issue of self-employed debt.
In “On the Scene,” Hong Sung-soo's article introduces the state of the National Human Rights Commission, which faced a flood of public anger and protests after martial law. Some human rights commissioners actively advocated for the human rights and defense rights of those accused of treason, sparking controversy. The author suggests that we restore the fallen National Human Rights Commission by selecting well-qualified commissioners for the institution, constitutionalizing the Human Rights Commission, and recognizing the active role of public interest.
Following the well-received prose series “Where I Live,” this issue begins a new series, “What Took Care of My Life.” The first installment by Cho Hyo-Je introduces sumud, the steadfast and hopeful resilience of the Palestinian people, who have maintained their human dignity despite decades of persecution and oppression. “Creating hope together through resilient, honorable actions beyond pessimism and optimism,” the author says, would also be the way to lead our lives and to wisely address the climate crisis.
The “Literary Criticism” section features two articles. Yoo Hui-sok reads Yom Mu-woong’s 60 years of critical prowess in his collection Korean Literature Standing Before History as “love and dedication for literature worthy of being called ours.” He highlights the enlightening power of Yom’s criticism, embodied in his deep self-reflection, meticulous reading, and perceptive criticism. Yoo meticulously reveals the strength of Yom Mu-woong’s writings, which are a concentrated blend of rigor, flexibility, and warmth.
Meanwhile, Kim Mi Jung explores the potential of the commons in fiction. She convincingly argues, through the diary of the main character in Lee Ju-Hye's novel The Seasons Are Short, But Memories Are Everlasting, that the first-person narrative of a protagonist as entangled events and existences that cannot be differentiated by concepts of ownership or rights is an open narrative expressing the multifaceted nature of others.
This issue features a variety of new works by twelve poets, including Ko Jae-jong and Choi Hyun-woo, crafted with deep thinking and great labor. The transparent and bright, and at times heavy and bold, poetic words awaken our thoughts and senses anew. The fiction section introduces short stories by Kim Yuna, Lim Solah, Lim Hyeon, and Hwang Jungeun. The writers’ delicate sensibilities stand out in capturing serious and perilous issues within ordinary daily lives.
In the “Focus on Author,’ poet Kim Joong-il talks with An Hyeon-mi, author of White of the Future. He tenderly captures how this poet, who “confesses” by standing on the past and present, has now progressed to invoking the future. He describes how “white” is a metaphor for the future, drawn together with the will of love, as a symbol of empathy, shared mourning, and solidarity.
In the “Literary Focus” section, which carefully selects and reviews new publications, Cho Daehan examines poet Nam HyunJi's first collection and Choe Jae-won's poetry collection, while Kim Juwon meticulously reviews Jeon Jee Young's first short-story collection and Kim Yoo-jin's novel. Sung Hyunah introduces and delves into Yang Kyung Eon's criticism, which explores the transformative nature of lyrical poetry, as well as In A-Young's criticism, which investigates the possibilities of poetry. This issue's Book Reviews also presents significant new books, selected to meet our readers' interests.
We also introduce to our readers the winners of the 23rd Daesan Literary Awards for College Students. Fresh works by Lee Ga-in (poetry), Jeong Yi-an (fiction), Kim Chae-eun (play), and Choi Seon-jae (criticism) will add to the joy of reading the spring issue. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners.
Korean citizens have reached a point where they must seriously consider the idea of “global democracy.” War and violence, lies and agitation threaten us; but they cannot comprise the image of the civilized world we aspire to. We believe our traditions and assets lie in pursuing higher values and ideals, not those of force and tyranny. Today, the light of the Candlelight citizens is still burning, unextinguished, becoming the wick of democracy and peace and even illuminating the world. Changbi also reaffirms its commitment toward tirelessly striving to meet the passionate aspirations and expectations of our readers. We ask for your warm interest and rigorous criticism.
Baek Min Jung